Wallter Chairman Isaac T. Armoni: 'The future of payments will integrate traditional finance with digital ecosystems and blockchain'

As businesses increasingly demand faster, more flexible, and digitally integrated financial services, alternative payment providers are reshaping the future of B2B finance across Europe. The Baltic Times Magazine spoke with Isaac T. Armoni, Chairman of Wallter UAB, a Lithuania-based central bank-licensed B2B fintech company providing cross-border payment and business banking solutions, to discuss the rapid evolution of the cross-border payments market, the growing role of electronic money institutions (EMIs), and the technologies driving the next generation of international payments.

 How has the B2B payments market changed over the past few years, and what is driving the rise of alternative payment solutions?

 The B2B payments market has changed significantly over the past decade, developing faster and more rapid payments. At Wallter, founded in 2017 and licensed as an EMI in 2018, we witness first-hand how businesses increasingly expect financial services to be faster, flexible, and digital as part of their daily operations. Traditional banking infrastructures are not built for this speed of business globalization, cross boarder e-commerce, fintech, and digital faster pace companies, which created strong demand for more agile and technology-driven payment solutions.

 At Wallter, we see businesses increasingly using SEPA Instant payments (INS SEPA), faster digital onboarding, reliable local FX payments solutions, multi-currency support, and a financial institution that understands their modern business models and needs. We are also closely monitoring regulatory updates and legislation relating to digital assets and emerging financial technologies, as we believe the future of payments will involve stronger integration between traditional finance, regulated digital ecosystems, blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

 Why are more companies across Europe choosing electronic money institutions (EMIs) instead of traditional banks?

 Companies are increasingly choosing EMIs because they need flexibility, speed, and a more client-focused approach. Traditional banks often struggle with legacy systems and slower operational processes, while EMIs are designed around technology, automation, and international business needs.

 At Wallter, we provide fast onboarding, dedicated support, SEPA and SEPA Instant payments, Apple Pay prepaid card solution, multi-currency solutions, and a compliance-focused framework that supports international companies operating across multiple industries. Businesses today want more than a bank account - they want a reliable financial partner that can support growth. Wallter has a tailor-made digital onboarding process which allows companies who are traditionally rejected by the banking system to onboard quicker and still adhere to strict KYB guidelines, regulations and procedures. 

 What makes Wallter so successful?

 Wallter’s success comes firstly from our loyal and dedicated teams of professionals who choose Wallter as their home. We combine a family-oriented working environment with strong regulatory standards, values, operational efficiency and customer-focused service. As a fully licensed EMI regulated by the Bank of Lithuania, we provide clients with stability, regulatory framework, security and flexibility.

 From the beginning, our focus has been to build long-term relationships with businesses that require reliable international payment solutions. We understand the challenges companies face when operating globally, especially in fintech, e-commerce, SaaS, and other fast-growing sectors. Our ability to adapt quickly, maintain high compliance standards, and provide responsive support has been a key factor in our steady growth.

 The B2B cross-border payments market is expected to exceed $50 trillion by 2032. What opportunities does this create for fintech companies like Wallter?

 As the international world is becoming a smaller village when it comes to payments, the growth of cross-border payments’ market creates major opportunities for fintech companies that can provide fast, secure, and scalable infrastructure for international business, bringing localization to global trends and requirements. Companies today operate globally from day one and require a reliable, stable payment partner that can support international expansion efficiently.

 For Wallter, this means continued investment in payment infrastructure, partnerships, payment corridors, and strategic alliances, advanced monitoring and compliance technology including AI tools and new financial solutions tailored to modern businesses. We see growing demand for real-time payments, embedded finance, and more specialized support for international companies operating in regulated or innovative industries.

 We also see regulated digital assets and stablecoin-based infrastructure becoming increasingly relevant in the B2B cross-border payments space, particularly for businesses seeking faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective international transactions. As regulation across Europe continues to evolve, we believe there will be growing opportunities to bridge traditional financial infrastructure with compliance oriented digital payment ecosystems. Fiat and crypto seamless solutions will continue to grow, and we will see in Europe solutions that already exist in the GCC and Asia.

 How can faster and more flexible payment solutions help businesses grow?

 Fast and flexible payment solutions improve business efficiency, strengthen cash flow management, and reduce operational delays and burden. Real-time and near-instant payments allow businesses to move faster, manage supplier relationships more effectively, and provide a better experience for their customers and partners.

For international businesses especially, having access to reliable payment infrastructure can directly impact scalability and competitiveness. At Wallter, our goal is to help businesses operate more efficiently across borders with modern and dependable payment solutions.

Is Wallter's foothold in all the three Baltic states evenly firm?

 Wallter has established a strong presence across all three Baltic states, although Lithuania remains our primary operational and regulatory center. The Baltic region is highly attractive for fintech because it combines strong digital infrastructure and the support of the Bank of Lithuania with the CENTROlink system, innovation-friendly regulation, and international business orientation. We continue strengthening our relationships and partnerships across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, and we see all three markets as strategically important for future growth.

 Lithuania has become an important fintech hub in Europe. What do you find unique about it?

Lithuania successfully positioned itself as one of Europe’s leading fintech hubs by creating a progressive and innovation-friendly regulatory environment while maintaining strong compliance standards. The Bank of Lithuania has played an important role in supporting responsible fintech growth.

For Wallter, Lithuania offered the ideal environment to build a regulated international EMI with access to highly skilled professionals, strong digital infrastructure, direct connection to SEPA through Bank of Lithuania’s CENTROlink system and a forward-looking fintech ecosystem.

What trends do you expect to shape the future of alternative and especially B2B payments in the next five years?

 We expect real-time payments, embedded finance, artificial intelligence, and stronger digitalization of financial services to shape the future of B2B payments. Businesses increasingly expect seamless and instant financial operations integrated directly into their platforms and workflows.

We also expect stronger convergence between traditional finance and regulated digital asset infrastructure as legislation across Europe becomes more mature and transparent. Companies that combine innovation, compliance, and operational efficiency will be best positioned for long-term growth. We also think that the introduction of EU ID and digital ID protocols will make onboarding and monitoring of transactions smoother and more transparent. Companies like Clavispass and the OpenID will assist in this process.

Who are the people on Wallter's Baltic team?

 Wallter’s Baltic team consists of experienced professionals across management, compliance, AML monitoring, and risk management. We have built a strong and multicultural team with deep expertise in fintech, payments, and regulatory compliance, supporting Wallter’s continued growth across Europe and international markets. While Wallter expends, we kept our family values and environment, allowing our team members to grow, learn, expand and maintain their professional duties in this fast-paced world.

What goals has Wallter set for 2026?

For 2026, Wallter’s priorities are continuing to strengthen our compliance infrastructure in both onboarding and monitoring, provide sustainable international growth, strengthening our payment infrastructure, expanding strategic partnerships, and enhancing the client experience together with new state-of-the-art solutions and innovative products.

We are investing in compliance technology, operational scalability, and new payment capabilities designed to support international businesses and evolving cross-border payment needs. We also continue monitoring developments in digital assets and emerging financial technologies as part of our long-term strategy.

 Another important objective for 2026 is expanding Wallter’s international partner and affiliate network while maintaining the high regulatory and compliance standards that define us as a reliable European EMI for global businesses.